resettlement support

Willy Msiando, our executive director with the Governor of Iowa, Terry Brandstad and Kim Reynolds, the Lieutenant Governor, at the ART Program (4/2014).

Congo Progress works in partnership with Living Water Evangelical Free Church in Iowa with the African Refugee Tutorial (ART) Program:

English as a Second Language (ESL)There are 3 groups each Wednesday and Saturday divided by ability levels: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. During these courses we help the participants to increase their ability to read, write and understand English. For some of the individuals in our programs this is the first time they are learning to read or write at all. All individuals participating in our ESL classes are able to attend as frequently as they would like and are free to move between ability levels as they feel comfortable.

After School Tutoring ProgramProvide young individuals with access to homework assistance and tutoring. This program is necessary due to the fact that the children may be studying subjects in school that their parents may not understand or have never had the opportunity to learn.

The focus of this program is on elementary age students although we will make special accommodations for any student who needs assistance from our organization. The majority of this program is led by Rev. Wilondja and a group of volunteers. Rev. Msiando worked as a math instructor for 11 years while living in Africa. Although his specialty is math, he also has the ability to help in a variety of other academic subjects as well. The organization is always looking for additional assistance with other subjects depending on the needs of the students participating.

Computer LiteracyMost come from areas in Africa where computers are limited to few individuals. Therefore, many people have never seen or even touched the computer. The few lucky ones who make it to the USA begin to get in touch with the computer for the first time in their life and they don’t know how to operate it. This is a free program.

Ms. Roza Katembo instructing a student about safe driving.

Employment Training Another of the many ways we work to help fellow immigrants in our community is through the provision of programs designed to help smooth the transition to their new life in the United States. These programs are designed to help participants make the transition into the work force, find housing, apply for schools, acquire transportation and assist with any other transition to life in the United States. As a part of this program we network with businesses in the community to find potential job opportunities. We also help the participants write résumés and cover letters as well as improve their interview skills. This assistance with their job search better prepare them for the work structure of the United States so they can be successful when they do get a job. We also help the participants to learn about pay structures, benefit packages and any other aspects of their job.

Housing/ Transportation AssistanceWe offer assistance programs designed to help participants find quality housing, transportation and any other services necessary for them to be successful in their new community.

Mentorship matching Many of these activities are accomplished by matching each person with a mentor who can provide assistance and guidance in adjusting to life in the United States. The mentors may be American citizen volunteers or foreign individuals who have also immigrated to the United States so they can better understand the struggles that are encountered.

Through this mentor relationship individuals can receive help obtaining a driving license, establishing residency and/or applying for citizenship and becoming comfortable in general with their new life. All mentoring and assistance is done on an as needed basis.